The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) has announced that close to 9,000 overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) have been safely repatriated from the crisis-stricken Middle East. In a television interview, Migrant Workers Undersecretary Bernard Olalia confirmed the figure, emphasizing that all returning OFWs can access various government assistance programs, including potential redeployment overseas.
Government Assistance and Reintegration
Olalia stated, "We have already brought home almost 9,000 OFWs due to the conflict in the Middle East." He highlighted the National Reintegration Network, which involves multiple government agencies dedicated to supporting repatriated workers. "We have a National Reintegration Network. It includes various government agencies that can help our OFWs, who have returned home," Olalia explained.
Warning Against Illegal Recruiters
The DMW official also raised concerns about illegal recruiters exploiting the situation. "When there is a crisis like this, especially in the Middle East, those who have returned home through our repatriation program will immediately look for online job offers for abroad," Olalia noted. He pointed out that social media platforms like Facebook and TikTok are rife with opportunistic recruiters. "In Facebook, TikTok, and others, most of those who get boosted on social media are opportunist illegal recruiters because they know that many people, who have returned home, really need work," he added.
Olalia said the DMW is actively monitoring and taking down illegal recruitment posts online. "We are seeing illegal recruitment posts, so we have them taken down," he stated. He urged repatriated OFWs to be vigilant and recognize red flags of illegal recruitment. "If you are offered a job and it is not a working visa... the offer is a student visa or tourist visa or business visa, this is a red flag. Do not agree. These are illegal recruiters," Olalia warned.
